Thursday, August 30, 2012

ITTP Prague July course Graduate article

Mary at Kutna Hora (Click on photo to enlarge)

Kids grown, three years until
retirement from a successful career in teaching, is it already over?
Surely I am too young to simply stop teaching; I am still energetic
and love the classroom and the positive energy it generates.

I have always had a propensity towards
travel, but lacked the funds and opportunity to do so. Could now be
the right time?

As I pondered the above questions, and
talked to many people about international teaching jobs, I was
directed toward Prague by people who had similar experiences. I aptly
checked online, and through the positive reviews and the more than
adequate correspondence with Neville, decided that ITTP/TEFL could
give me the experience I needed and possibly quell my urge to travel,
at least temporarily.

Before I had a chance to second guess myself, I
made the deposit and began the process. Thanks to the people involved
across the pond, as Neville says, making the deposits and
corresponding via email was the easy part.

I arrived in Prague months later, to
find myself scared to death as it began to sink in that I was alone,
and traveling was completely out of my comfort zone. Being away from
family and friends that love me unconditionally was daunting, and I
began to wonder if I had made the right decision. After an uneasy
night in a hotel, I ventured out to meet some of the nicest, coolest,
and most helpful people I have ever met. My roommate was immediately
helpful and kind, I couldn’t have asked for a better friend.

When arriving to class, late of course
since I am challenged when it comes to directions, Mila, our
instructor, was kind and understanding. The class was small, which
concerned me since I was worried about making acquaintances. Worrying
about anything, when it pertained to my trip, proved to be futile.
The people in class were so remarkable and intriguing; we had a
fabulous time in and outside of the classroom. There was not one bad
moment in Prague, a few awkward ones, but not one bad one. I felt
completely safe in and outside of the city.

The choice of ITTP apartment option which I went for was a bit
outside of the city, which I enjoyed because it gave me an authentic
view of the culture, minus the throngs of tourists. I also enjoyed it
because it was comfortable and very clean, thanks to Neville’s
fastidious care.

The historic knowledge I gained from
this fabulous city, as well as the experience and instruction from
Mila, was such a positive experience that I am finding it difficult
to put into words.

I chose to return home to my husband
and career since I have three more years until I fully retire from
the American educational system. I am hoping to relocate and teach
overseas when my husband is retired as well.

Upon my return to work;
I was surprised to discover I would be teaching a classroom of
students who spoke English as their second language. I would also be
team teaching with an international teacher from Australia. I felt
well-prepared for this group of students because of the useful
strategies Mila taught me, as well as feeling empathetic to my
partner, as I briefly experienced the loneliness that accompanies
relocating to a foreign country.

I plan to return next summer and tour
parts of Eastern Europe with a friend. As I am hoping one day to
teach internationally, I am confident that my month in Prague
prepared me, and helped propel me into the next phase of my career.